Shooting victim’s family pleads with public to help find his killer

The family of 26-year-old man killed in what police said was an unprovoked drive-by shooting last month pleaded with the public to help find his killer.

William Trey Ross died in the shooting, which happened in 10300 block of S. Gessner about 7:50 p.m. June 29, said Sgt. Colin Howard of the Houston Police Department.

Judy Ross sobs as her husband William Ross III, talks about her son William Ross IV, who was killed when a car shoot bullets into his car, during a press conference, Wednesday, July 18, 2012, in the Houston Police Department headquarters in Houston. Houston Police is asking for the public's help in solving the fatal shooting that happened at 10300 South Gessner June 30.( Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle )

Howard said Ross was driving his Volkswagen sport utility vehicle on South Gessner when a red Chevrolet Impala pulled up beside him. Someone inside the Impala opened fire on the SUV, hitting Ross and his passenger. The passenger was wounded and was rushed to Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital He was treated and has been released. He is expected to survive.

Howard said the shooting appears to be random. Ross and his friend had not been involved in a confrontation with anyone, including the people in the Impala. The pair had been driving around in the area talking about their families and how they looked forward to their lives with them.

“At this time it appears the shooting was unprovoked,” Howard said.

Howard said so far investigators have no clues to help them identify the gunman or find the Impala. He asked anyone who has information about the case to contact police.

Ross’ family said Ross was kind-hearted and gentle. He was killed just a week before he and his fiancée planned to be married. He leaves behind two small children, aged 10 months and 3 years. He had attended Texas A&M Univeristy and was eager to become involved in agricultural research.

“He was my angel, my knight in shining armor,” said Judy Ross, his mother. “I miss him so much.”

Ross’ father, William Ross III, said he and his family have had many sleepless nights since the shooting. He said they have been unable to figure out why anyone would want to hurt his son. He pleaded with anyone to come forward to authorities if they have information about the case.

“My wife and I are just in disbelief why someone would take an innocent life,” William Ross said. “It’s just unfair.”

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Crimestoppers at 713 222-TIPS or the HPD Homicide Division at 713 308-3600.